Salvadoran restaurants

EL ARCO PUPUSAS Restaurant

4.6 313 reviews Closed 714 E Hopkins St, San Marcos, TX 78666, United States

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Nestled in San Marcos, Texas, **EL ARCO PUPUSAS Restaurant** serves up a delightful taste of El Salvador, garnering rave reviews from locals and visitors alike. This family-owned gem specializes in **freshly made pupusas**—stuffed corn tortillas that shine with flavors like squash, jalapeño, and mushroom. Diners like Robyn Orr praise the abundant menu, including vegetarian options and notable **picadillo empanadas**, which enhance the culinary experience with vibrant freshness and authenticity. Reviewers consistently highlight the **homestyle hospitality** and the **superb quality** of the dishes, with many mentioning that the **pupusas** are accompanied by a deliciously tangy **curtido**. Martha Parodi exclaims they are the best she’s ever tasted. Patrons also appreciate the variety of **fresh beverages**, such as the option between two types of horchata—rice or morro—each adding an authentic touch. Whether you visit after a day at the San Marcos River, as Chrystal Hernandez suggests, or simply venture to enjoy a meal, your visit to **EL ARCO** promises a warm atmosphere and delectable Salvadoran cuisine. With dishes made to order, it’s no wonder Darya Perez made it a repeat stop during her stay. This restaurant isn't just a meal; it’s a taste of home in every bite.

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Amenities & More

Service options

Curbside pickup
Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in
Delivery

Highlights

Serves local specialty

Popular for

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Dining options

Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Counter service
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities

Restroom

Atmosphere

Casual
Cozy
Quiet
Trendy

Crowd

Groups

Note: Amenity details are aggregated from verified visits, the venue's website and Google. They may change without notice. We recommend confirming key details (pet policy, accessibility, reservations) directly with EL ARCO PUPUSAS Restaurant before visiting.

Reviews for EL ARCO PUPUSAS Restaurant

4.6

313 reviews

100%

10%

Review highlights

Based on 313 reviews

EL ARCO PUPUSAS Restaurant in San Marcos, TX, is widely praised for its fresh, made-to-order Salvadoran cuisine, with a particular emphasis on flavorful pupusas and authentic tamales. Reviewers consistently highlight the generous portion sizes and the variety of traditional offerings, such as curtido and yucca sides. The restaurant’s hospitality and family-owned atmosphere contribute positively to the overall dining experience. Customers also appreciate unique beverage options like horchata de arroz and horchata de morro, reflecting an authentic Salvadoran touch. Common themes include consistent quality, authentic flavors, and a welcoming environment, making EL ARCO PUPUSAS a favored spot for both locals and visitors seeking genuine Salvadoran food.

Robyn Orr

May 03, 2025

The food was made fresh to order and the servers were very helpful. I had the vegetarian pupusas (squash and cheese, jalapeno and cheese, mushroom and cheese, and spinach and cheese), the picadillo empanadas, and a side of yucca. It was all fresh and flavorful. San Marcos definitely needed something different and this is it. Hope you try them and support this local business. I will definitely be back to try other menu items.

Martha Parodi

Apr 26, 2025

Wow! The BEST popusas and tamales!! The popusas are made fresh to order with yummy curtido. The tamales were also delicious. Highly recommend this family owned restaurant. Will definitely come back. I was very satisfied.

Darya Perez

Apr 19, 2025

We were visiting San Marcos and based off the reviews we decided to give this place a try and we are so glad we did ! We loved it so much that within our four day stay we had lunch there twice. The portion are as great size and everything is made fresh. It will definitely be one of our go to spots when we visit the San Marcos area.

Ashley Iraheta

Mar 18, 2025

Delicious pupusas and their salsa and horchata is great. I love that you can choose between horchata de arroz and horchata de morro, since arroz is more popular but morro is authentically Salvadoran. They’re almost as good as my mom’s homemade pupusas. But will do since I live far from home.

Chrystal Hernandez

Mar 14, 2025

This was so perfect after a day on san Marcos River. You will not leave here disappointed. Superb hospitality and delicious hecha la mano comida. Bien rico 5 stars!!

Patty Flores

Mar 07, 2025

The pupusas, the curtida, the pastelitos and the service, all amazing!!! The food is very authentic, made to order and speedy. Went with a Salvadorian friend and he said they were almost as good as what his mom makes. Definitely a must if you are in the area.

Technicolor “Mammoth”

Mar 06, 2025

I know they are known for their pupusa's but wanted empanadas that day. Got the carnitas en salsa Verde. I got it to go, but they definitely came to me fresh because they were still piping hot almost an hour later! Crispy on the outside and so good on the inside. The pickled salad and side salsa's made this a complete meal. I'm coming back for sure! The competition for good food from south of the border is real in San Marcos and El Arco definitely has put their hat in. I have no doubt this place is home away from home for some, and definitely glad it's in my current hometown!

Brenda Elizabeth Godinez

Feb 14, 2025

Pupusas are huge! I thought I needed 3 but ended up only eating 2. Tamale was good ! Honestly one of the best places to eat in San Marcos if you’re looking for authentic food.